Circus Lions Finally Get Freedom After Being Kept In Cages All Their Life

These lions had been through a lot but thankfully, they get a happy ending for their story.

Liezel

• Published in Animal Stories
• September 27, 2022

Circus shows with lions doing party tricks and all that may be entertaining to watch for some people but we all know that that isn't where those big cats are supposed to be.

Instead of being caged, whipped, and forced to perform for money, they should be with their fellow big cats roaming, hunting, and living the life they should be living in the wild.

Unfortunately, many of these majestic creatures haven't even had the taste of freedom for years because of humans who wanted to keep them for their own gain. Four of these lions are Angela, Bellone, Saida, and Louga.

Born and raised in captivity, these four hadn't known what their life should be like in the wild. Instead, they were forced into a tough life and small rusty cages.

Thankfully, their case got to the volunteers at Born Free who set out to rescue the big cats at once. And while it may not have been easy and the process took a bit longer than expected, the lions were set free from the cages they've only known as home.

Keep reading and discover the long journey that these four took to get to their very own paradise home in South Africa.

Angela, Bellone, Saida, and Louga were born and raised in captivity

These four majestic lions were born and raised as part of a mobile circus in France. There they had a tough life where they were forced to perform tricks for the crowds all over France.

At the end of the day, they were forced into small and rusty cages. Thankfully, this part of their life came to an end when volunteers from the wildlife charity Born Free stepped in and rescued them.

It wasn't a smooth sailing journey for everyone

Although the four were rescued back in 2018, plans didn't sail as smoothly as everyone wanted them to. Then, the pandemic happened which caused a further delay in the release of the four.

The moment of their freedom has been delayed

Originally, the charity wanted to take all four lions back to a sanctuary in Shamwari, South Africa immediately. Unfortunately, they weren't able to raise enough money for the big cats' transport back to their homeland.

After four years, they finally make it home

While waiting for the pandemic to let up and to gather enough funds for their transport, the four lions lived at a rescue center in France. Now, after a long wait and journey, Angela, Bellone, Saida, and Louga are finally home in South Africa.

They finally get to step and frolick on the grass of their homeland. However, since they lived in captivity their entire lives, they won't be released into the wild.

At the Shamwari Private Game Reserve though, they'll have everything they'll ever need for a full and peaceful life.

Watch the moment these lions get their first taste of freedom here:

“The sights, sounds, and scents of their fellow rescued big cats will heighten their senses immediately as they begin to acclimatize to their new lives,” manager of the Born Free charity Catherine Gillson, told BBC News. “They are now in their forever home in Africa.”

It's heartbreaking knowing that these beautiful, great, and majestic wild animals are kept in unsatisfactory conditions despite all the work they're forced into for human gain. Thankfully, there are also still plenty of humans who are fighting for the rights of these animals.

And while we may not always be physically present to help in their efforts, showing our support in any we can already do so much for these fantastic creatures.

Liezel